FBI Issues Urgent Warning for All Gmail Users Over New Cookie-Based Hack
The FBI has issued an urgent warning for Gmail users worldwide after detecting a new wave of cyberattacks exploiting a session cookie vulnerability that allows hackers to bypass two-factor authentication and gain full access to victims’ accounts.
With over 1.8 billion users globally, Gmail is one of the most popular email platforms — and also one of the most targeted by cybercriminals. According to the FBI, attackers are using sophisticated techniques to steal login cookies from infected devices, granting them access not just to Gmail accounts, but also to connected services like social media, online banking, and cloud storage.
The attack begins when victims unknowingly click malicious links or visit fake websites, downloading malware that silently extracts session cookies — files that store login information so users don’t have to re-enter passwords. Once stolen, these cookies allow hackers to impersonate users and access their accounts without needing credentials or authentication codes.
The FBI warns that this technique effectively neutralizes two-factor authentication, long considered one of the strongest security measures against account hijacking.
To protect users, the agency recommends:
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Regularly deleting browser cookies.
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Avoiding the “Remember this device” option when logging in.
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Only visiting secure websites that use HTTPS.
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Frequently checking account login history for suspicious activity.
Google has acknowledged that cookie theft affects users across the web and said it is developing new security measures to mitigate the threat, describing the attacks as part of a growing, lucrative cybercrime trend.



